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Re: about the word 'expect'

Not a teacher.

I think the answer to your first question depends less upon the word expect and more upon whether you accept that passing an exam and failing an exam are the only two options (which, assuming he completes the exam, they probably are).

In regards to your second question, your proposal gets the point across, but it certainly isn't the only way to convey the idea.

"They don't expect him to pass the exam." is structured in a manner more nearly parallel to your previous sentences.

Re: about the word 'expect'

Originally Posted by Drear Pooson

Not a teacher.

I think the answer to your first question depends less upon the word expect and more upon whether you accept that passing an exam and failing an exam are the only two options (which, assuming he completes the exam, they probably are).

In regards to your second question, your proposal gets the point across, but it certainly isn't the only way to convey the idea.

"They don't expect him to pass the exam." is structured in a manner more nearly parallel to your previous sentences.

DP

Sorry, I don't quite get what you mean. Please allow me ask the question this way: Does 'he doesn't expect to pass the exam' mean that he think he will not pass the exam?

Re: about the word 'expect'

Do you think 'he isn't expected to pass the exam' means about the same thing as 'they(other people) don't expect him to pass the exam'? If so, which is the more common way of conveying the idea?

I do think the two expressions mean the same thing.

If the context is such that the people you are talking to know exactly who "they" are (perhaps his professors or his family), I would prefer the active voice. But if "they" just means people in general, the passive voice is fine.

Re: about the word 'expect'

Originally Posted by probus

I do think the two expressions mean the same thing.

If the context is such that the people you are talking to know exactly who "they" are (perhaps his professors or his family), I would prefer the active voice. But if "they" just means people in general, the passive voice is fine.